Systems, Apparatus and Methods for Vacuum Filtration

ABSTRACT

A liquid filtering system and methods for filtering are disclosed. One embodiment of the system includes a filtering apparatus having a receiving receptacle coupled with an adapter. The adapter has an adapter port for receiving a vacuum and an interface for coupling with an output receptacle that receives filtered liquid from the filtering apparatus. The adapter is between the receiving receptacle and output receptacle when the output receptacle is coupled with the adapter interface. The system also includes a base having a substantially rigid housing containing an internal vacuum channel terminating at a base vacuum delivery port. The adapter is couplable with the base to connect the adapter port to the base vacuum delivery port.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of co-pending U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 11/516,011, entitled “Systems, Apparatus and Methods For VacuumFiltration,” filed Sep. 5, 2006, assigned attorney docket number3427/101, and naming Peter Zuk Jr. as inventor, the disclosure of whichis incorporated herein, in its entirety, by reference.

U.S. application Ser. No. 11/516,011, in turn, claims priority to U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/714,017, entitled “VacuumFiltration Device and Apparatus,” filed Sep. 2, 2005, naming Peter ZukJr. as inventor, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD AND BACKGROUND ART

This invention relates to the filtration field, and more particularly,to a disposable vacuum filtration device and reusable apparatus capableof filtering liquid samples.

Many disposable vacuum filtration devices for filtering liquid samplesare available today. The currently available disposable vacuumfiltration devices for filtering liquid samples may include a receptaclefor collecting the filtered liquid, a removable funnel section thatcontains a filter element, a removable lid that caps the top of thefunnel section, and a cap for the receiving container to cap thecontainer after the funnel section has been removed. The funnel sectioncontains a filter support that provides support for the filter elementand provides fluid flow communication between the downstream side of thefilter element and the interior of the receptacle. The funnel sectionalso contains a vacuum port, and a way to apply a vacuum to the interiorof the receptacle. The outer periphery of the filter element is sealedto the device to prevent un-filtered liquid from entering thereceptacle. The removable lid is press fitted onto the top of theremovable funnel section typically with a fit that allows easy removal,but does not allow the lid to accidentally separate from the funnelsection. These devices are normally sold pre-sterilized.

In use, the end user removes a sterile vacuum filtration device from itsshipping package in a laminar flow hood to prevent contaminating thedevice. The lid is then removed from the funnel section and a liquidsample to be filtered is poured into the funnel section. The lid is thenplaced back onto the funnel section and the vacuum port of the funnelsection is connected to a vacuum source. The vacuum source pulls theliquid through the filter element and into the receptacle. Either thelid or the funnel section may contain venting to allow air to replacethe liquid in the funnel as the vacuum removes the liquid from thefunnel.

After all of the liquid sample has been pulled into the receptacle, theuser removes the funnel section from the receptacle and places the caponto the receptacle to keep the contents sterile. The funnel section maythen be discarded.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One embodiment of the present invention is directed to a liquidfiltering system. The system of this embodiment includes a filteringapparatus having a receiving receptacle coupled with an adapter. Theadapter has an adapter port for receiving a vacuum and an interface forcoupling with an output receptacle for receiving filtered liquid fromthe filtering apparatus. The adapter is between the receiving receptacleand output receptacle when the output receptacle is coupled with theadapter interface. The system also includes a base having asubstantially rigid housing containing an internal vacuum channelterminating at a base vacuum delivery port. In this embodiment, theadapter is couplable with the base to connect the adapter port to thebase vacuum delivery port.

One aspect of this embodiment includes a cell culture medium filter forfiltering a liquid received by the receiving receptacle.

In another aspect of this embodiment, when the output receptacle iscoupled with the adapter interface, the base suspends the outputreceptacle above a bottom portion of the base to form a gaptherebetween.

In another aspect of this embodiment, the housing defines the vacuumchannel.

Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to a liquidfiltering system. The system of this embodiment includes a filteringapparatus having a receiving receptacle coupled with an adapter and anoutput receptacle for receiving filtered liquid from the filteringapparatus. The system of this embodiment also includes a substantiallyrigid base couplable with the adapter and a vacuum channel in fluidcommunication with the output receptacle. In this embodiment, the basesuspends the output receptacle.

In one aspect of this embodiment, the base has a bottom portion and theoutput receptacle is spaced from the bottom portion.

In another aspect of this embodiment the vacuum channel is containedsubstantially entirely within the base and connects with the adapter toprovide a vacuum.

Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to a liquidfiltering system. The system of this embodiment includes a filteringapparatus having a receiving receptacle coupled with an adapter and asubstantially rigid base having a vacuum channel. The base in thisembodiment is removably couplable with the filtering apparatus. In thisembodiment, the filtering apparatus and the base have correspondingregistration details for orienting the adapter in a manner that thatconnects the vacuum channel with the adapter.

Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to filteringassembly for use with a substantially rigid base having a base vacuumchannel. The assembly of this embodiment includes a receiving receptacleand an adapter coupled with the receiving receptacle. The adapter ofthis embodiment includes an adaptor port, is removably couplable withthe base, and has a first registration detail for orienting the adapterin a manner that connects the base vacuum channel with the adapter port.

Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to a supportbase for supporting a filtering apparatus coupled with an outputreceptacle. In this embodiment, the filtering apparatus has a port forreceiving a vacuum. The support base of this embodiment includes asubstantially rigid housing containing a vacuum channel and a supportfor supporting the filtering apparatus. In this embodiment, at least oneof the housing and support having a base registration detail fororienting the filtering apparatus in a manner that connects the basevacuum channel with the filtering apparatus port. In this embodiment,the support is upstream of the output receptacle when supporting thefiltering apparatus.

Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to a supportbase for supporting a filtering apparatus coupled with an outputreceptacle. In this embodiment the filtering apparatus has a port forreceiving a vacuum. The support base of this embodiment includes asubstantially rigid housing that substantially entirely contains avacuum channel and a support for removably coupling with the filteringapparatus. In this embodiment, the vacuum channel is connected to thefiltering apparatus port when the support couples with the filteringapparatus. In this embodiment the support is upstream of at least aportion of the output receptacle when the support couples with thefiltering apparatus.

Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to a method offiltering a cell culture medium. The method of this embodiment includesproviding a filtering apparatus having a filter that is capable ofappropriately filtering the cell culture medium. The filtering apparatusof this embodiment has a filtering apparatus port for receiving a vacuumand is coupled with an output receptacle. The method of this embodimentalso includes coupling the filtering apparatus to a portion of a base,the base having a vacuum channel, the filtering apparatus fitting inregistry with corresponding registry details of the base to orient thefiltering apparatus port with the vacuum channel in the base; andapplying a vacuum to the interior of the output receptacle through thevacuum channel and the filtering apparatus. The method of thisembodiment also includes pouring the cell culture medium into thefiltering apparatus; permitting the given cell culture medium to passthrough the filtering apparatus to the output receptacle downstream ofthe portion of the base coupled with the filtering apparatus; removingthe output receptacle from the filtering apparatus; and uncoupling thefiltering apparatus from the base.

Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to a liquidfiltering system that includes a filtering apparatus, an outputreceptacle removably coupled with the filtering apparatus and asubstantially rigid base. The base of this embodiment includes a vacuumchannel and a coupling portion that is removably couplable with thefiltering apparatus to provide a vacuum to the output receptacle. Inthis embodiment, the coupling portion of the base is upstream of atleast a portion of the output receptacle.

Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to a method offiltering a liquid sample including providing a filtering apparatushaving a filter that is capable of appropriately filtering the liquidsample, the filtering apparatus having a filtering apparatus port forreceiving a vacuum and being coupled with an output receptacle; couplingthe filtering apparatus to a portion of a base, the base having a vacuumchannel, the filtering apparatus oriented on the base such thatfiltering apparatus port is in fluid communication with the vacuumchannel in the base; applying a vacuum to the interior of the outputreceptacle through the vacuum channel and the filtering apparatus;pouring the liquid sample into the filtering apparatus; permitting theliquid sample to pass through the filtering apparatus to the outputreceptacle downstream of the portion of the base coupled with thefiltering apparatus; removing the output receptacle from the filteringapparatus; and uncoupling the filtering apparatus from the base.

Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to a vacuumfiltration apparatus including a disposable filtration device. Thefiltration device of this embodiment includes a disposable filtrationfunnel capable of holding un-filtered liquid therein, a receptacledisposed below said funnel, said receptacle including a single openinglocated at the top of said receptacle, a filter disposed between theun-filtered liquid and the top of the disposable receptacle, with saidfiltered sealed to said filtration device to prevent the flow ofun-filtered liquid into said receptacle, and an inlet that is not a partof the receptacle, in fluid flow communication with said opening of saidreceptacle. The apparatus also includes a reusable base releasablysupporting said vacuum filtration device, and having an opening throughwhich vacuum may be applied to said base, with the vacuum of said basebeing automatically applied to said inlet of said disposable filtrationdevice when the disposable filtration device is placed onto the reusablebase, thereby drawing liquid from said funnel, through said filter, intosaid filtration receptacle.

Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to a vacuumfiltration apparatus including a disposable filtration device thatincludes a disposable filtration funnel capable of holding un-filteredliquid, a disposable receptacle disposed below said funnel, saidreceptacle including a single opening located at the top of saidreceptacle, a filter disposed between the un-filtered liquid and the topof the disposable receptacle, with said filtered sealed with anon-releasable seal to said filtration device to prevent the flow ofun-filtered liquid into said receptacle. The apparatus of thisembodiment includes a reusable base releasably supporting said vacuumfiltration device, and having an opening through which vacuum may beapplied to said base. The reusable base is operatively connected to theinterior of said filtration receptacle so that the vacuum of said basemay be applied to said filtration receptacle to draw liquid from saidfunnel, through said filter, into said filtration receptacle.

Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to a vacuumfiltration apparatus that includes a disposable filtration device whichincludes a disposable filtration funnel capable of holding un-filteredliquid, a receptacle disposed below said funnel, said receptacleincluding a single opening located at the top of said receptacle, withthe receptacle releasably attached to the funnel, and a filter disposedbetween the un-filtered liquid and the top of the disposable receptacle,with said filtered sealed to said filtration device to prevent the flowof un-filtered liquid into said receptacle. The apparatus also includesa reusable base releasably supporting said vacuum filtration device, andhaving an opening through which vacuum may be applied to said base thatis operatively connected to the interior of said filtration receptacleso that the vacuum of said base may be applied to said filtrationreceptacle to draw liquid from said funnel, through said filter, intosaid filtration receptacle, when said disposable filtration device isplaced onto said reusable base.

Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to a vacuumfiltration apparatus that includes a disposable filtration device whichincludes a disposable filtration funnel capable of holding un-filteredliquid, a receptacle disposed below said funnel, said receptacleincluding a single opening located at the top of said receptacle, withthe receptacle releasably attached to the funnel, and a filter disposedbetween the un-filtered liquid and the top of the disposable receptacle,with said filtered sealed to said filtration device to prevent the flowof un-filtered liquid into said receptacle. The apparatus also includesa reusable base releasably supporting said vacuum filtration device, andhaving an opening through which vacuum may be applied to said base. Thebase is automatically connected to the interior of said filtrationreceptacle so that the vacuum of said base may be applied to saidfiltration receptacle to draw liquid from said funnel, through saidfilter, into said filtration receptacle, when said disposable filtrationdevice is placed onto said reusable base.

Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to a vacuumfiltration apparatus which includes a disposable filtration device thatincludes a disposable filtration funnel capable of holding un-filteredliquid, a disposable receptacle disposed below said funnel, saidreceptacle including a single opening located at the top of saidreceptacle, and a filter disposed between the un-filtered liquid and thetop of the disposable receptacle, with said filtered sealed to saidfiltration device to prevent the flow of un-filtered liquid into saidreceptacle. The apparatus also includes a reusable base releasablysupporting said vacuum filtration device, and having an opening throughwhich vacuum may be applied to said base, wherein the reusable base isoperatively connected to the interior of said filtration receptacle sothat the vacuum of said base may be applied to said filtrationreceptacle to draw liquid from said funnel, through said filter, intosaid filtration receptacle, and wherein said disposable filtrationdevice further includes a second filtration media interposed between theoperative connection between the reusable base and the disposablefiltration device for filtering air which enters the receptacle.

Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to a vacuumfiltration apparatus that includes a disposable filtration device whichincludes a disposable filtration funnel capable of holding un-filteredliquid, a receptacle disposed below said funnel, said receptacleincluding a single opening located at the top of said receptacle, withthe receptacle releasably attached to the funnel, and a filter disposedbetween the un-filtered liquid and the top of the disposable receptacle,with said filtered sealed to said filtration device to prevent the flowof un-filtered liquid into said receptacle. The apparatus also includesa reusable base releasably supporting said vacuum filtration device, andhaving an opening through which vacuum may be applied to said base,wherein the reusable base is operatively connected to the interior ofsaid filtration receptacle so that the vacuum of said base may beapplied to said filtration receptacle to draw liquid from said funnel,through said filter, into said filtration receptacle, and wherein saiddisposable filtration device further includes a second filtration mediainterposed between the operative connection between the reusable baseand the disposable filtration device for filtering air which enters thereceptacle.

Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to a vacuumfiltration apparatus that includes a disposable filtration device thatincludes a disposable filtration funnel capable of holding un-filteredliquid, a disposable receptacle disposed below said funnel, saidreceptacle including a single opening located at the top of saidreceptacle, and a filter including an upstream side and a downstreamside, disposed between the un-filtered liquid and the top of thedisposable receptacle, with said filtered sealed to said filtrationdevice to prevent the flow of un-filtered liquid into said receptacle.The apparatus also includes a reusable base releasably supporting saidvacuum filtration device, and having an opening through which vacuum maybe applied to said base, with the reusable base being operativelyconnected to the interior of said filtration receptacle so that thevacuum of said base may be applied to said filtration receptacle to drawliquid from said funnel, through said filter, into said filtrationreceptacle, and wherein the downstream side of the filter is in directfluid flow communication with the interior of the receptacle.

Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to a vacuumfiltration apparatus that includes a disposable filtration device thatincludes a disposable filtration funnel capable of holding un-filteredliquid, a disposable receptacle disposed below said funnel, saidreceptacle including a single opening located at the top of saidreceptacle, and a filter including an upstream side and a downstreamside, disposed between the un-filtered liquid and the top of thedisposable receptacle, with said filtered sealed to said filtrationdevice to prevent the flow of un-filtered liquid into said receptacle.The apparatus also includes a reusable base releasably supporting saidvacuum filtration device, and having an opening through which vacuum maybe applied to said base, with the reusable base being operativelyconnected to the interior of said filtration receptacle so that thevacuum of said base may be applied to said filtration receptacle to drawliquid from said funnel, through said filter, into said filtrationreceptacle, and wherein the fluid flow path between the downstream sideof the filter and the interior of the receptacle does not include ameans to shut off the flow of liquid when the vacuum of the base isapplied to the receptacle.

Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to a vacuumfiltration apparatus that includes a disposable filtration device whichincludes a disposable filtration funnel capable of holding un-filteredliquid, a single disposable receptacle disposed below said funnel, saidreceptacle including a single opening located at the top of saidreceptacle, and a filter disposed between the un-filtered liquid and thetop of the disposable receptacle, with said filtered sealed to saidfiltration device to prevent the flow of un-filtered liquid into saidreceptacle. The apparatus also includes a reusable base releasablysupporting said vacuum filtration device, and having an opening throughwhich vacuum may be applied to said base, wherein the reusable base isoperatively connected to the interior of said filtration receptacle sothat the vacuum of said base may be applied to said filtrationreceptacle to draw liquid from said funnel, through said filter, intosaid filtration receptacle.

Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to vacuumfiltration apparatus that includes a disposable filtration device whichincludes a disposable filtration funnel capable of holding un-filteredliquid, a single receptacle disposed below said funnel, said receptacleincluding a single opening located at the top of said receptacle, withthe receptacle releasably attached to the funnel, and a filter disposedbetween the un-filtered liquid and the top of the disposable receptacle,with said filtered sealed to said filtration device to prevent the flowof un-filtered liquid into said receptacle. The apparatus also includesa reusable base releasably supporting said vacuum filtration device, andhaving an opening through which vacuum may be applied to said base, withthe reusable base being operatively connected to the interior of saidfiltration receptacle so that the vacuum of said base may be applied tosaid filtration receptacle to draw liquid from said funnel, through saidfilter, into said filtration receptacle.

Another embodiment of present invention is directed to a vacuumfiltration apparatus that includes a disposable filtration device whichincludes a disposable filtration funnel capable of holding un-filteredliquid therein, a single receptacle disposed below said funnel, saidreceptacle including a single opening located at the top of saidreceptacle, a filter disposed between the un-filtered liquid and the topof the disposable receptacle, with said filtered sealed to saidfiltration device to prevent the flow of un-filtered liquid into saidreceptacle, and an inlet that is not a part of the receptacle, in fluidflow communication with said opening of said receptacle. The apparatusalso includes a reusable base releasably supporting said vacuumfiltration device, and having an opening through which vacuum may beapplied to said base, with the vacuum of said base being automaticallyapplied to said inlet of said disposable filtration device when thedisposable filtration device is placed onto the reusable base, therebydrawing liquid from said funnel, through said filter, into saidfiltration receptacle.

Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to a method offiltering a liquid comprising: 1) providing a vacuum filtrationapparatus comprising: (a) a disposable filtration device comprising: adisposable filtration funnel capable of holding un-filtered liquid, adisposable receptacle disposed below said funnel, said receptacleincluding a single opening located at the top of said receptacle, afilter disposed between the un-filtered liquid and the top of thedisposable receptacle, with said filtered sealed to said filtrationdevice to prevent the flow of un-filtered liquid into said receptacle,with said disposable filtration device including an inlet, in fluid flowcommunication with the interior of said receptacle, and (b) a reusablebase having an opening through which vacuum may be applied to said base,with said reusable base further including an outlet. The method alsoincludes 2) placing the disposable filtration device onto the reusablebase, thereby placing the outlet of said reusable base in fluid flowcommunication with the inlet of said disposable filtration device,thereby operatively connected to the interior of said filtrationreceptacle to the outlet of said base, 3) adding the liquid to befiltered to said funnel, and 4) applying vacuum to the outlet of saidbase, thereby drawing the liquid from said funnel, through said filter,into said filtration receptacle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing features of the invention will be more readily understoodby reference to the following detailed description, taken with referenceto the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a filtrationsystem according to present invention in an operational assembly;

FIG. 2 is an isometric view, having portions thereof removed, of thereceiving receptacle of the system depicted in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an isometric view of the lid component of the system depictedin FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is cross-sectional view of the filtration device depicted in FIG.1, with a hose barb replacing the plug in the side inlet;

FIG. 5 is an isometric view, having portions thereof removed, of thebase depicted in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is an isometric view, having portions thereof removed, of thethree-way valve depicted in FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view of a bottom portion of the basedepicted in FIG. 1, with the three-way valve in the open position, andwith a plug in the conduit that leads to the base vacuum chamber;

FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view of a bottom portion of the basedepicted in FIG. 1, with the three-way valve in the closed position, andwithout a plug in the conduit that leads to the base vacuum chamber;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view, of another embodiment of a baseaccording the present invention;

FIG. 10 is an isometric view, of another embodiment of a base accordingto the present invention;

FIG. 11 is an isometric view, of a base according to the presentinvention;

FIG. 12 is a partial cross-sectional view of an align pin of a receivereceptacle adapted to mate with the a base;

FIG. 13 is an isometric view, having portions thereof removed, of theadapter component of the filtration device depicted in FIG. 1;

FIG. 14 is a bottom isometric view of the adapter of the filtrationdevice depicted in FIG. 1;

FIG. 15 is an isometric view, having portions thereof removed, of theadapter component including an integral receive receptacle;

FIG. 16 is an isometric view, having portions thereof removed, ofanother embodiment of an adapter;

FIG. 17 is a partial isometric view of the bottom portion of the receivereceptacle depicted in FIG. 16, showing the funnel locking pins; and

FIG. 18 is a bottom isometric view, having portions thereof removed, ofanother embodiment of an adapter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS

Illustrative embodiments related to vacuum filtration systems andportions thereof, as well as methods for filtration.

One embodiment of the present invention relates to a system thatincludes a filtering apparatus having receiving receptacle that iscoupled to an adapter. The receiving receptacle receives a liquid to befiltered and may include a filtration element. The adapter is coupledbetween the receiving receptacle and an output receptacle that collectsa filtered liquid. In addition, the system may include a base forsupporting and directing a vacuum to the filtering apparatus.

Of course, the present invention is not limited to the entire system andmay include portions thereof, as well as methods for use. In oneembodiment, the system may be utilized to filter a cell culture medium.

One embodiment of a filtration system 100 is shown in FIG. 1. The system100 includes filtration apparatus 100 a and a base 1 which both supportsand directs a vacuum to the filtration apparatus 100 a. The filtrationapparatus 100 a may include an adapter 30 and receiving receptacle 50.The receiving receptacle 50 may receive an unfiltered liquid to befiltered, and may include a filter element 90. The filtration apparatus100 a may also include an output receptacle 80 (shown as a disposablecentrifuge tube) and optionally a lid 70. Of course, the outputreceptacle 80 may not be included in the system and the user may providesuch a receptacle. The output receptacle 80 may be a glass bottle, atest tube or any other satisfactory device for receiving a liquid.

The output receptacle 80 may be releasably attached to adapter 30 viathreads 82 of receptacle 80. For instance, the threads 82 may engageengaging threads 36 (FIG. 13) of an adapter 30. Seal 35 of the adapter30 seals the interior 81 of output receptacle 80 to adapter 30 in a leaktight relationship. The output receptacle 80 may be releasably attachedto the adapter using other means, such as a press fit between the outputreceptacle 80 and the adapter 30. Likewise, other means could be used toseal the output receptacle 80 to the adapter 30, such as a gasket placedbetween the top surface of the output receptacle 80 and thecorresponding surface of the adapter 30.

FIG. 2 shows one embodiment of the receiving receptacle 50, which mayinclude a filter element 90 (FIG. 1) that serves to prevent un-filteredliquid from entering the outlet 55 of receiving receptacle 50. Thefilter element 90 may be a microporous filter element, or a depth filterelement, and may be either hydrophilic or hydrophobic depending upon theliquid to be filtered. Representative filter element materials include,cellulose nitrate, cellulose acetate, mix esters of cellulose, Teflon,PVDF, Nylon, polypropylene, polyethylene, polycarbonate, and glassfibers, but are not limited to these materials.

The receiving receptacle 50 receives a liquid to be filtered and mayinclude side wall 60, filter seal surface 51, baffle 54, outlet 55, anda filter support. In this embodiment, the filter support includes filtersupport ribs 52 and channels 61. The filter support provides the propersupport for filter element 90 and channels filtered liquid from thedownstream side of filter element 90 into outlet 55. Other types offilter supports that provide the proper support for filter element 90and that channels filtered liquid from the downstream side of filterelement 90 into outlet 55 could be used to replace the filter supportshown in FIG. 2.

The outer periphery of the downstream side of the filter element 90 maybe sealed to filter seal surface 51, thereby preventing the flow ofun-filtered liquid into the outlet 55. Representative seals include aheat seal, an ultrasonic seal, a solvent seal, a glue seal, an RF seal,or a seal ring seal, or any other type of seal between any portion ofthe filter element and the funnel that prevents the flow of un-filteredliquid into outlet 55. Side wall 60 includes inner surface 58, outersurface 56, and may include lid clamp ring 57.

Receiving receptacle 50 may be non-releasably attached to the adapter 30using an ultrasonic bond, a heat bond, a glue bond, a solvent bond, orany other type of leak tight bond, in which case the funnel and adapterare preferably made from the same materials, or of materials that can beeasily bonded together. Materials may include acrylic, polycarbonate,styrene, polyethylene, and polypropylene. In applications where it isdesired to releasably attach the receiving receptacle to the adapter,any of the releasable attachments disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,913,152could be used. Other types of releasable attachments could also be used.

FIG. 3 shows an illustrative embodiment of the lid 70, which may be typeof lid releasably attached to receiving receptacle 50 by any of themethods disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,913,152. Alternately other types oflids known in the art could also be used.

The filtration apparatus 100 a may also include a plug 48 as shown inFIG. 1, when the filtration device is to be used with base 1. The plug48 seals port 33 a of the adapter 30. Alternately plug 48 may bereplaced with a hose barb 45 (FIG. 4) thereby allowing disposablefiltration device 100 a to be used without the base 1. Alternatively,the plug 48 could be integral part of adapter 30.

Referring again to FIG. 1, one embodiment of a base 1 is shown. As notedabove, the base 1 of this and other embodiments serves to support thefiltration apparatus. In some embodiments the base supports thefiltration apparatus in such a manner that the output receptacle 80 issuspended above the bottom portion 7 such that a gap G3 existstherebetween.

This embodiment includes an internal vacuum channel comprised of atleast conduit 2 and may also include conduit 3 and terminates at adelivery port 2 a. The delivery port 2 a, when in operation, mates withthe adapter 30 to create a seal so that a vacuum may be created in theoutput receptacle 80.

As shown in FIG. 1, this embodiment of the base 1 includes a bottomportion 7 and may also include hose barb 5, gasket 13, three-way valve26, and seal 14. The seal 14 is shown as an o-ring, but could be anytype of seal such as a gasket or the like.

As shown in FIG. 5, which is cut-away view of the base 1 shown in FIG.1, the base 1 may include base support member 7, side wall 18, anddevice support member 19. Side wall 18 supports device support member 19so that support surface 17 of device support member 19 is located at thedesired distance above the top of base support member 7. Side wall 18preferably includes side wall relief 27 (i.e., the front and a portionof both sides of side wall 18 are cut away) to make the receivingreceptacle visible during the filtration cycle.

The device support member 19 preferably includes at least oneregistration detail, such as an align pin 11, that is used to properlyalign the filtration device 100 a on the base 1. The device supportmember 19 in conjunction with one align pin 11, properly aligns thefiltration device 100 a on the base 1.

The base 1 also includes a vacuum inlet 9, which is in fluid flowcommunication with conduit 2 and conduit 3. Conduit 3 places vacuuminlet 9 in fluid flow communication with base vacuum chamber 4, but maybe omitted. Conduit 2 includes a delivery port 2 a that places thevacuum inlet 9 in fluid flow communication with bottom inlet 34 ofadapter 30 (FIG. 13).

The base 1 may be made of a substantially rigid material and theconduits 2 and 3 comprise an internal vacuum chamber therein. In someembodiments the internal vacuum chamber is entirely within the base 1.The delivery port 2 a may be referred to herein as a “base vacuumdelivery port”.

In FIGS. 5 and 6, the base 1 may also include a valve hole 6, which inturn forms a vent slot 8 containing a three-way valve may be used. Asshown in FIG. 6, three-way valve 26 includes vacuum port 21, vent port22, snap fit tabs 23, and handle 25. Three-way valve 26 snaps into valvehole 6 of base 1 as shown in FIG. 1. In alternative embodiments, thethree-way valve 26 may be attached to base 1 by other than the snap fittabs disclosed herein. As an example, FIG. 7 shows the three-way valve26 in the open position with vacuum port 21 connecting the top andbottom portions of conduit 2, and with vent port 22 blocked off by theside wall of valve hole 6 that does not include vent slot 8. FIG. 8shows the three-way valve 26 in the closed position with vent port 22and vacuum port 21 in fluid communication with vent slot 8.

Among other things, the base 1 may be cast or machined from materials,such as urethane, or epoxy, or could be either cast or machined frommaterials, such as stainless steel or aluminum, or molded or machinedfrom plastics such as polycarbonate, acrylic, or polysulfone.

Another embodiment of a base 301 and a receiving receptacle 380 (i.e., abottle) is shown in FIG. 9. The base 301 of this embodiment includes alower portion 307, a gasket 313, three-way valve 26, and seal 314 shownas an o-ring, but could be any type of seal, such as a gasket. The base301 includes a side wall 318 having vacuum channel 302 disposal thereinand device support member 319, and integral hose barb 305. Side wall 318supports device support member 319 so that support surface 317 of devicesupport member 319 is located at the desired distance above the lowerportion 307. The device support member 319 may include one or moreregistration details, such as align pins, to properly align thedisposable filtration device on the base.

Another embodiment of a base is shown in FIG. 10. The base 401 portionsare similar to the previous embodiments. In addition, the base 401 mayinclude one or more align pins 411, that are used to properly align thefiltration device on the base.

Another embodiment of a base is shown in FIG. 11. The base 501 of thisembodiment includes base support member 520, side wall 543, and devicesupport member 519. The side wall 543 supports device support member 519so that support surface 517 of device support member 519 is located atthe desired distance above the top 529 of base support member 520. Thedevice support member 519 may include at least registration details 511(two registration details are shown in FIG. 11) that are used to alignand lock in place the disposable filtration device on the base 501. Forinstance, the registration detail 511 could mate with a correspondingregistration detail 537 of the adapter 550 shown in FIG. 12.

In addition to the registration details, the base 501 may also include awell 516 defined by support surface 517 and side wall 515. The shape ofside wall 515 may be designed so that it matches the shape of the flangeon an adapter of any of the adapter embodiments described herein. Inaddition, this embodiment includes an internal vacuum chamber (notshown) that terminates at the base vacuum delivery port 502 a.

FIGS. 13 and 14 show one example of an adapter 30 according to thepresent invention. The adapter 30 of this embodiment may include aflange 38, side inlet 33, bottom inlet 34, seal 35, and threads 36.Flange 38 includes top surface 41, bottom surface 39, and at least onealign slot 37. The adapter 30 may also include either plug 48 (FIG. 1)or hose barb 45 (FIG. 4), and may also include a filter element locatedinside inlet 33. In the event the side inlet 33 is filled with a hosebarb, the filtering system may be used without a base 1 as the bottominlet 34 is filled by the hose barb.

The flange 38 may define the outer periphery of the adapter 30. Thebottom surface 39 of the flange 38 includes a bottom inlet 34. When inuse, the bottom inlet 34 is aligned with the base vacuum delivery port 2a of any of the embodiments of the base disclosed herein. The alignmentof the bottom inlet 34 with a base vacuum delivery port serves to createa vacuum in the output receptacle 80 when a vacuum is applied to theinternal vacuum channel of the base.

The seal 35 seals the interior of an output receptacle attached to theadapter 30 in a leak tight relationship. In some embodiments, theadapter may include threads 36 to mate with corresponding threads on anoutput receptacle.

The adapter 30 may also include a center hole 40 through which fluidwill pass when in operation. The adapter 30 may also include side wall44 that has inner surface 31 and step 32. The step 32 may support areceiving receptacle 50 when coupled to the adapter 30.

The flange 38 may also include a registration detail 37. Theregistration detail 37 is shown as a slot but could be any detailcapable of ensuring that the bottom inlet 34 is aligned over the basevacuum outlet port 2 a when the adapter 30 is coupled to a base. In oneembodiment, the registration detail may require that the adapter 30 onlybe coupled to the base in one particular orientation (i.e., alignment ofthe two noted parts) and may, in some embodiments, guide the adapter tothat particular orientation. In some embodiments, the base may have acorresponding registration detail to mate with the registration detail37 of the adapter 30. Of course, the adapter 30 could have more than oneregistration detail. Examples of other types of registration detailsthat could be included in the adapter 30 include, but are not limitedto, a protrusion, a recess, a pin, a slot, and the like. In someembodiments the registration details may serve to automatically connectthe bottom inlet 34 with the base vacuum outlet port 2 a. In someembodiments this may advantageously allow a user to place the filtrationdevice 100 a on the base 1 with 1 hand.

Of course, the adapter 30 could be modified depending on theapplication. For example, and as shown in FIG. 15, the adapter 230 mayinclude a flange 238, side inlet 233, threads 236, and an integralreceiving receptacle 258. In this embodiment, the flange 238 may alsoinclude one or more registration details 237. The integral receivingreceptacle 258 includes a side wall 260, filter seal surface 251, baffle254, outlet 255, and a filter support. The filter support includesfilter support ribs 252 and channels 261, and at least one radialchannel 253. The filter support provides the proper support for a filterelement 90 (not shown) and channels filtered liquid from the downstreamside of filter element 90 into outlet 255. Any type of filter thatprovides the proper support for filter element 90, and channels filteredliquid from the downstream side of filter element 90 into outlet 255could be used to replace the filter support means shown in FIG. 15. Theouter periphery of the downstream side of filter element 90 may besealed to filter seal surface 251, thereby preventing the flow ofun-filtered liquid into the outlet 255.

Another embodiment of an adapter is shown in FIG. 16. The adapter 330 inthis embodiment, unlike the previous embodiment, does not have anintegral receiving receptacle but, rather, includes a side wall 344having one or more slots 343. The receiving receptacle 350 shown in FIG.17 may include complementary protrusion 365 in its sidewall 356 to lockthe receiving receptacle into the adapter 330.

In another embodiment, and as shown in FIG. 18, the adapter 430 does notinclude a flange 38. In this embodiment, the adapter 430 includes a sidewall 444 having an inner surface 431 and at least one slot 443. One ormore align rings 469 extend from a lower surface 475 of adapter 430.These align rings are designed to mate, for example, with the pins 411on the base 401 shown in FIG. 10. The bottom of side wall 434 a ofbottom inlet 434 may include a spherical surface 447 which may mate withthe base vacuum delivery port 476 of the base 401 shown in FIG. 10.

Various embodiments of the present invention and portions thereof havebeen described above. In general the systems described herein mayoperate as follows with reference to FIG. 1.

The end user may provide the filtration device 100 a by eitherpurchasing a complete assembly or an assembly without an outputreceptacle 80, in which case the user will attach an output receptacle(preferably pre-sterilized) to the adapter 30. The user then places thebase 1 on a flat surface and connects a vacuum hose thereto, forexample, via hose barb 5. The other end of the vacuum hose may beconnected to a vacuum source.

If a three way valve 26 is present, it initially may be turned to theoff position. The user may start a vacuum source to evacuate base vacuumchamber 4 of the lower portion 7 of the base 1 to hold the base 1 inplace. Of course, vacuum chamber 4 could be omitted and this stepskipped.

The user then may place the filtration device 100 a with a outputreceptacle 80 (attached to adapter 30), onto reusable base 1, byinserting receptacle 80 into hole 10 (FIG. 5) of base 1 until bottomsurface 39 of flange 38 of adapter 30 contacts support surface 17 ofbase 1. The user adjusts the orientation until there is a registrationfit with align pin 11 (FIG. 5) of base 1 and align slot 37 (FIG. 13) ofadapter 30. This alignment aligns the bottom inlet 34 of adapter 30 withbase vacuum channel output port 2 a of conduit 2. Of course, in this andother embodiments the align pin 11 and the align slot 37 could beeliminated and the user could manually align the filtration device 100 aso that inlet 34 aligns with port 2 a.

When filtration device 100 a is properly positioned on base 1 as shownin FIG. 1, a gap G3 will exist between the bottom of receptacle 80 andthe bottom portion 7 of the base 1. Of course the gap G3 could also bebetween the bottom of the receptacle 80 and the surface on which thebase 1 sets. When spaced in this manner, the receptacle 80 (andfiltering apparatus 100 a) is considered to be suspended by the base.

As shown in FIG. 1, the support upper surface 17 of the support isarranged so that it is upstream of the output receptacle 80. As usedherein, upstream means a location above another location in a directionopposite to that in which a fluid would flow if orientated as shown.Here, upstream means that the support is above the output receptacle inthe “Y” direction.

During actual use, a user may remove the lid 70 from receivingreceptacle 50, and pour a quantity of un-filtered liquid (such as cellculture media) in to the interior of receiving receptacle 50, upstreamof filter element 90. The lid 70 may then be re-attached to receivingreceptacle 50 as shown in FIG. 1. The user then simply turns three-wayvalve to the on position shown in FIG. 1, thereby evacuating theinterior 81 of receptacle 80. If the inside surface area of the seal 14is larger than the cross-sectional area of bottom inlet 34 of adapter 30as shown in FIG. 1, the vacuum at base vacuum outlet port 2 a of conduit2 of base 1 will create a downward force on the surface area of bottomsurface 39 of flange 38 of adapter 30 that is encircled by seal 14,thereby creating a downward force on said area and firmly holdingdisposable filtration apparatus 100 a in place on base 1.

The initial air in the interior 81 of receptacle 80, and in the filtersupport means of receive receptacle 50, will flow from the interior ofoutput receptacle 80; through gap G1 between inner surface 42 of adapter30 and outer surface 63 of baffle 54 (FIG. 2); into side inlet 33 ofadapter 30; through filter element 49 (if filter element 49 is used);through bottom inlet 34; into inlet 2 a of conduit 2, through conduit 2;through vacuum inlet 9 of the base 1; and into the vacuum source.

The top surface of the un-filtered liquid in receiving receptacle 50will be kept at atmospheric pressure via a venting means in either thereceiving receptacle or the lid 70. Therefore the positive pressure ofthe liquid at the level of the upstream surface of filter element 90will be proportional to the height of the liquid in the receivingreceptacle. Therefore, a differential pressure will exist between thepositive pressure of the liquid on the upstream side of the filterelement and the negative pressure on the downstream side of the filterelement, created by evacuating the interior of the output receptacle 80.As the interior 81 of output receptacle 80 is evacuated, un-filteredliquid from receiving receptacle 50 will pass through filter element 90.The filtered liquid on the downstream side of filter element 90 willthen pass through outlet 55 of receiving receptacle 50, into outputreceptacle 80. This process will continue until all of the un-filteredliquid has been filtered and collected in output receptacle 80.

After all of the liquid has been filtered and collected in outputreceptacle 80, the user may turn three-way valve 26 to the closedposition and, thus, vent to atmosphere the interior of output receptacle80, the upper part of conduit 2, bottom inlet 34, side inlet 33, and thefilter support of the receiving receptacle 50, by allowing external airto enter vent slot 8 of base 1 (FIG. 5); and then pass through vacuumport 21 and vent port 22 of three-way valve 26 (FIG. 6); through theupper portion of conduit 2 of base 2; through bottom inlet 34, and sideinlet 33 of adapter 30; through filter element 49; into the interior ofoutput receptacle 80.

In some embodiments, optional filter element 49 may prevent non-sterileair from entering the interior of output receptacle 80. The user maythen remove disposable filtration device 100 a from the base 1 and thenremove the output receptacle from adapter 30, attach a closure to thetop of output receptacle 80 (closure not shown), and discard theremaining components of disposable filtration device 100 a in a safemanner. The receptacle along with its contents can now be either used orstored. If three-way valve 26 is not used, then the vacuum would beturned on, and turned off, and vented externally to the reusable base.

Although the present invention has been shown and described in terms ofspecific preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated by those skilledin the art that changes or modifications are possible which do notdepart from the inventive concepts described and taught herein. Suchchanges and modifications are deemed to fall within the purview of theseinventive concepts. Any combination of the various features of thepreferred embodiments are deemed to fall within the purview of theseinventive concepts.

1. A liquid filtering system comprising: a filtering apparatus having a receiving receptacle coupled with an adapter having an adapter channel terminating at an adapter port for receiving a vacuum, the adapter port being substantially unmovable relative to any part of the adapter channel, the adapter also having an interface for coupling with an output receptacle for receiving filtered liquid from the filtering apparatus, the adapter being between the receiving receptacle and output receptacle when the output receptacle is coupled with the adapter interface; and a base having a substantially rigid housing containing an internal vacuum channel terminating at a base vacuum delivery port, the base vacuum delivery port being substantially unmovable relative to the base vacuum channel, the adapter being couplable with the base to connect the adapter port to the base vacuum delivery port, the adapter configured so that the adaptor port abuts the base vacuum delivery port when the adapter is coupled to the base.
 2. The system as defined by claim 1 wherein the filtering apparatus also comprises a cell culture medium filter for filtering a liquid received by the receiving receptacle.
 3. The system as defined by claim 1 further comprising the output receptacle coupled with the adapter interface.
 4. The system as defined by claim 3 wherein the output receptacle comprises threads that mate with corresponding threads in the interface.
 5. The system as defined by claim 1 wherein the filtering apparatus is removably couplable with the base.
 6. The system as defined by claim 5 further comprising the output receptacle coupled with the adapter interface, the base having a bottom portion, the base suspending the output receptacle above the bottom portion to form a gap therebetween.
 7. The system as defined by claim 1 wherein the housing defines the vacuum channel.
 8. The system as defined by claim 1 further comprising a seal to provide a sealed connection between the adapter port and the vacuum delivery port of the base.
 9. The system as defined by claim 1 wherein the filtering apparatus and base are configured to provide a registration coupling in a manner that connects and substantially locks the base vacuum delivery port with the adapter port.
 10. The system as defined by claim 9 wherein the filtering apparatus has a first aligning detail, the base having a second aligning detail, the first and second aligning details being in registry when the base is coupled with the adapter to align the base vacuum delivery port with the adapter port.
 11. The system as defined by claim 1 wherein the base has a vacuum receiving port for receiving a vacuum from an external source, the internal vacuum channel being between the vacuum receiving port and the base vacuum delivery port.
 12. The system as defined by claim 1 wherein the receiving receptacle comprises a funnel.
 13. A liquid filtering system comprising: a filtering apparatus having a receiving receptacle coupled with an adapter; an output receptacle for receiving filtered liquid from the filtering apparatus; and a substantially rigid base couplable with the adapter, the base having a coupling portion configured to suspend the filtering apparatus when the adapter is coupled with the base, the coupling portion having a vacuum channel, the coupling portion fluidly connecting the vacuum channel of the coupling portion and the output receptacle when suspending the output receptacle.
 14. The system as defined by claim 13 wherein the base has a bottom portion, the output receptacle being spaced from the bottom portion.
 15. The system as defined by claim 13 wherein the vacuum channel is contained substantially entirely within the base, the vacuum channel connecting with the adapter to provide a vacuum.
 16. The system as defined by claim 13 wherein the output receptacle is removably couplable with the filtering apparatus.
 17. The system as defined by claim 13 wherein the base is removably couplable with the adapter.
 18. The system as defined by claim 13 wherein the filtering apparatus and base are configured to provide a registration coupling in a manner that connects the vacuum channel with the adapter.
 19. A liquid filtering system comprising: a filtering apparatus having a receiving receptacle coupled with an adapter, the adapter having an adapter vacuum channel terminating at an adapter port positioned at a substantially fixed location relative to the adapter vacuum channel; and a substantially rigid base having a rigid coupling portion with a base vacuum channel, the coupling portion being for supporting the filtering apparatus and having a support port that terminates the base vacuum channel, filtering apparatus and coupling portion having corresponding registration details for forming a registration fit that substantially locks the filtering apparatus to the coupling portion, the registration fit also aligning and abutting the adapter port and the support port when the coupling portion supports the filtering apparatus.
 20. The system as defined by claim 19 wherein the details comprise a protrusion and a corresponding recess. 